The coveted role of one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains has been landed by Oscar Nominee, Bane! Er- Tom Hardy.
Without a doubt, Venom stands out as one of the more signature villains among the Wallcrawler’s long line of enemies since his introduction in 1988. Played by Topher Grace in the third film by director Sam Raimi, many fans felt that the symbiotic villain turned anti-hero took a major misstep in his first major on-screen cinematic portrayal. However, fans may be in for a major treat with Tom Hardy taking over the role for the side project Sony has lined up for 2018.
Tom Hardy is Eddie Brock in #Venom, the upcoming film from Sony’s Marvel Universe releasing October 5, 2018 – production starts this fall. pic.twitter.com/OZQqDEvoum
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) May 19, 2017
The project is one of Sony’s top priorities and the studio is not wasting time as the movie is set to open Oct. 5, 2018. – THR
For a while there, many fans were left skeptical, with a large outcry of expecting that the Venom spinoff wouldnt be taking place within the same universe as Spider-Man: Homecoming and the larger MCU, respectively. Rest assured, it does appear to be that this isnt a stand-alone film in an alternate universe where Tobey or Garfield are still swinging around New York City skylines. Instead, Sony’s approach is to follow suit with the Homecoming reboot, keeping the focus on Venom, but still within the same universe and perhaps even a connected web of a storyline (pun intended).
Tom Hardy has made major waves in films dating back to his role as Bane in the Chris Nolan film, The Dark Knight Rises, before earning an Oscar Nom opposite of Winner Leo Dicaprio.
As to whether or not Marvel Studios (the one in charge of the Avengers) is stepping in to hold Sony’s hand along the journey to bringing this film to light next year, is not 100% for certain. However, if Venom is taking place in the larger MCU extension, it would make sense for it to be a film that plays by the same rules.
With news breaking earlier today, fans are in an uproar on social media, with a large voice of positivity it seems, and we stand on the sidelines supporting this decision, but keep in mind that very little is known about the direction, story, and tie-ins to the larger MCU that ‘Venom’ will play into.
Here is what we do know:
Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Venom spinoff.
The Zombieland director, Ruben Fleischer is in final discussions to direct the film.
Black Cat and Silver Sable are also being planned for the big screen in some fashion, but it isnt known at this time if they will first appear in Venom, a Spider-Man Homecoming sequel, or their own stand-alone movie. But they are indeed coming, we know that for sure.
Sony has set a release date for ‘Venom’ for Oct. 5, 2018.
